Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs

Students on F-1 or J-1 visas are eligible to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed on section 5 of the Form I-20 or section 3 of the Form DS-2019. We expect you to arrive in time for the mandatory international student orientation and to give yourself enough time to feel comfortable participating in the orientation. Please do not attempt to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date on the I-20 or DS-2019.

Always hand-carry the following required documents at all times:

• Valid passport with your F-1 or J-1 visa
• Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by Webster University
• Form I-901 SEVIS fee payment confirmation
• Proof of financial support including any Scholarship Letter (if any)

Do not check the above documents in your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present these documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.

Before you travel to the U.S., you need to make arrangement for your accommodation in advance and know your residential address.

If you will be living on-campus in the St. Louis campus, you need to ask the Housing Office to provide you with the full residential address before traveling to the U.S.

Finally, you need to have the contact information of your International Advisor, also known as Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) in case a U.S immigration officer needs to verify your information with Webster University.

Upon entry to the United States at the port of entry (such as the first International Airport you arrived at or seaport) you will need to present the following documents to a U.S. immigration officer:

• Passport with valid F-1 or J-1 student visa
• Form I-20 or DS-2019, signed by you and Webster designated school official (DSO)
• Proof of financial support Webster University
• Acceptance letter and Scholarship Letter (if any)
• Form I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt

When you arrive in the U.S. you will be interviewed by an immigration official at the port of entry. You should be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your entry to the United States and your studies plan, etc. Don’t be nervous. All visitors entering the United States must state their reason for wishing to enter the country.

You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the immigration officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to include the name and address of Webster University location where you will be enrolled at or program that you will participate in. In additional, you should be able to provide the address where you will be staying. Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will place admission stamp in your passport.

Occasionally, if the immigration officer at the port of entry cannot verify your information, or if you do not have all of the required documentation, an immigration officer may direct you to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.”

Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers. The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You may need to provide the name and telephone number of the international advisor at our University if the immigration officer needs to verify information.

Failure to comply with U.S. government entry-exit procedures may result in you being denied entry to the United States. If you arrive at the U.S. port of entry without all of your required documents or with unsigned Form I-20 or DS-2019 or missing information, the immigration officer may deny your entry into the United States. As an alternative, the officer has discretion to issue you a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor” Form, which authorizes temporary admission into the United States.

If you have been given a Form I-515A, contact International Recruitment and International Services immediately and request that all required documents, signatures or information requested be sent to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-515A processing team within the period of temporary entry. If you do not do this, SEVP will terminate your SEVIS record. Your student, exchange visitor or dependent status will end, and you must leave the United States or file for reinstatement of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within five months.

Pack only what you may need in the immediate first days and plan to purchase other items after you move in. Many of these items may be purchased in the local area after arrival.

Tips for Your Carry-On Luggage

Pack Essential Medicinal Needs

Some students' luggage has been lost or delayed by airlines. Any medication that is essential should be carried on your person. You should also carry photocopies of all important documents (passport, visa, etc.)

Pack Extra Clothing

Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Some students' luggage has been lost in transit by the airlines and they have been without a change of clothing (sometimes for a days).

Bring Cash in U.S. Dollars

It is also advising to have at least $100 with you while you travel in case there are any issues with money transfers or using credit cards when you first arrive.

Bring Official Transcripts and Diploma

Don't forget to collect official and final versions of your transcripts, external exams and diplomas. You will need to provide these to an admissions counselor during International Student Orientation to confirm your check-in. It is so much easier to do this while in your home country! We recommend carrying these documents with you on the airplane, along with your immigration paperwork and medical documents.

Highly Recommended: Electrical Power Adapter

Purchase electrical power adapters for U.S. voltage before leaving home or purchase online. Some students prefer to purchase new power cords for laptop computers and mobile devices to ensure easy access to technology after arrival.